The full conference schedule is available for everyone to peruse at their leisure, but as guest editor I thought I’d share a few personal reflections on why I attend the conference and highlight some of the sessions I’m particularly looking forward to this year.

For the majority of the past 12 years I’ve worked in asbestos management in a ‘client-side’ role. Anyone working in this area will know that it can sometimes feel a little insular. In many organisations there aren’t many colleagues who share quite the same level of interest in asbestos-related topics, and opportunities for discussion with peers can be limited. That’s one of the reasons the FAAM conference is so valuable. It offers the chance to hear about the latest industry developments, emerging research, and different professional perspectives. But in truth, it provides much more than that.

The conference is also a place to meet like-minded people – those who understand the challenges of the role and who share a commitment to managing asbestos and in developing their knowledge. It’s an opportunity to build professional support networks, exchange ideas, and, hopefully, pick up a few lifelong friends along the way. I’m equally looking forward to catching up with people I don’t see nearly often enough, and meeting new faces for the first time. If you see me there, please do come and say hello.

For many of us working in the asbestos sector – and for those who interact with it from related professions – legislation and guidance form the backbone of everything we do. They shape our responsibilities, influence our decision making, and ultimately define the framework within which asbestos risks are managed. Because of this, the sessions delivered by those in key regulatory roles are always among the highlights of the conference for me.

This year’s programme includes the ever-popular Health and Safety Executive (HSE) update, which consistently draws strong interest from attendees. Alongside this there will also be an AIMS performance study, offering insights into current industry practices and standards. The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Andrew Curran, Chief Scientific Adviser and Director of Research at the Health and Safety Executive, whose role places him at the centre of some of the most important conversations about occupational health research and policy in the UK.

Having attended the HSE’s Research Prioritisation Summit in Manchester in March 2025, I am particularly interested to hear whether there have been any updates or developments following the extensive stakeholder input gathered at that event. The summit brought together dozens of voices from across industry, academia and professional bodies, and it highlighted just how much expertise and interest there is in shaping the future direction of asbestos research and risk management. It will be fascinating to hear whether that input has begun to translate into new priorities or initiatives.

The conference also continues to provide a valuable platform for academic research. I’m especially pleased to see the return of Professor Daniel Murphy from the University of Glasgow. Daniel is always an engaging and thought-provoking speaker, and his session, “Asbestos & Cancer: Is it Worse – Much Worse – Than We Thought?”, will undoubtedly give many of us plenty to think about. For those of us who deal with asbestos risks on a daily basis, discussions like this help us step back and consider the bigger picture.

Alongside this, Professor Francesco Turci and Dr Jasmine Rita Petriglieri will be providing insights into the risks associated not only with asbestos but also with other mineral exposures. In the world of asbestos assessment and management, it’s sometimes easy to focus only on the risks that are defined within commercial or regulatory frameworks. In reality, understanding the underlying science and mineralogy is essential if we are to properly understand and prevent the realisation of those risks.

Following last year’s tri-factor session on asbestos in construction projects, day two of this year’s conference begins with a series of presentations centred around the theme of competence. Defining training requirements or qualifications can be relatively straightforward, but defining competence itself is much more nuanced. Ensuring the competence of workforces is critical across all industries, but it is particularly important for those working with hazardous materials.

Speakers including Greg Byrne, Richard Bennion, Kevin Bampton and Brian Eva will each provide their own perspectives on the subject, drawing on their experience from different parts of the sector. I’m especially looking forward to the discussion panel at the end of the session, which should allow for some challenging questions and perhaps a few lively debates from both the panel and the audience.

I also have the privilege of hosting FAAM’s very first Ignite session on the second day of the conference. The Ignite format has been used previously at the BOHS Conference, but this will be its debut at the Asbestos Conference. For anyone unfamiliar with the format, speakers have just 20 slides and 5 minutes to deliver their message. The result is usually fast-paced, impactful presentations packed with strong ideas. It should be an exciting session and a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on new speakers and topics that might not otherwise have found their way into the programme.

Finally, it always feels somewhat strange to say that you are looking forward to a discussion centred around Mesothelioma. In truth, it should never be considered a highlight. However, Mesothelioma UK remain key supporters of the conference and their contributions each year are incredibly important. Sadly, the ongoing legacy of asbestos exposure in the UK means that there is never a shortage of stories to share or lessons to learn. Each year their speakers bring important and powerful perspectives that remind us why the work we do matters so much.

This year, Richard Blunt will present “A campaigner perspective on asbestos safety.” After losing his mother to mesothelioma, Richard has become a passionate advocate for change within the sector. His talk will no doubt include both professional insight and deeply personal reflections. Sessions like this are often among the most powerful of the conference, reminding us of the human impact behind the policies, and working practices we encounter every day. Ultimately, they provide the motivation we all need to keep striving for improvement.

All in all, the conference promises to be another thought-provoking and engaging event. Whether you’re attending for the technical updates, the research, the debates, or simply the opportunity to connect with others in the field, there’s something for everyone. I hope to see many of you there.